Auckland Council building tsunami resilience

Auckland Council is taking steps to ensure the city is tsunami resilient by working with residents to create safer, more prepared communities that can withstand and recover from the impacts of tsunamis.

On September 9, a suite of tangible actions to make this happen – detailed in Auckland Emergency Management’s Tsunami Resilience Action Plan – were adopted by the council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee.

The plan is aligned with the Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Plan 2024-2029.

Adam Maggs, general manager of Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), says AEM engaged with Aucklanders, iwi and local boards for feedback to inform how the action plan was shaped.

“The Tsunami Resilience Action Plan sets out a comprehensive approach to enhancing tsunami resilience in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“It recognises the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of our region, builds on scientific understanding and community input and aligns with national and regional emergency management frameworks.”

As Maggs explains, the action plan is made up of a number of targeted initiatives with an emphasis on working together with Auckland communities.

“Key initiatives include enhancing public information through signage, regional awareness and school education; supporting marae, coastal communities and vulnerable populations with tailored engagement, strengthening tsunami warning systems; embedding tsunami planning in council-owned facilities and supporting community-based response planning.”

Some of these initiatives are:

• Mapping and modelling: Regularly review our tsunami inundation (flood) and evacuation modelling and mapping to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect national standards and best practice.
• Schools and early childhood education: Deliver education programmes and initiatives (eg tsunami hikoi, assistance in evacuation planning) for those in evacuation zones.
• Joint tsunami planning: Identify network and infrastructure vulnerabilities and plan with partners appropriately.
• Council facilities: Ensure tsunami planning features in plans of Auckland Council public facilities and accommodation inside evacuation zones eg campgrounds and libraries.
• Strengthen partnerships: Work with partner organisations, marae and community groups to promote tsunami readiness and response activities.
• Local boards: Involve local board members in decision-making for tsunami readiness and response.
• Alerting network: Continue to test and maintain the existing tsunami siren network and scope potential locations for permanent infrastructure (eg sirens) in highly vulnerable communities.
• Expand Emergency Mobile Alert Network: Advocate for expansion of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) network (including cellular coverage and national messaging procedures) and explore emerging technologies, including options for the disabled and vulnerable communities.
• Advice and guidance for boaties: Develop tsunami advice and guidance specifically for boaties and marinas (with our partner agencies).

Principal science advisor Dr Angela Doherty says Auckland Emergency Management collaborated with leaders in the field of tsunami and social science to ensure the actions had a strong evidence basis and prioritised community exposure and vulnerability.

“We want to build on the mahi already taking place in our communities, creating a regional uplift of tsunami resilience and support for the most vulnerable areas with targeted initiatives to address their specific needs.

“For example, areas inside tsunami evacuation areas are highlighted for engagement and education in communities, while the entire region would benefit from continuing to strengthen partnerships with local boards and community groups and developing and installing signage at key coastal areas.”

What are the official tsunami alert channels in the event of a tsunami emergency?

Tsunami warnings are published on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website and social media pages.

Tsunami warnings will also be broadcast on radio, television and news media, as well as on the Auckland Emergency Management website and social media pages.

An Emergency Mobile Alert (cellular broadcast message to your mobile phone) may also be issued in the event of a dangerous tsunami threat.

The Emergency Mobile Alert and other alerting channels do not replace the need to take action after natural warnings.

If you feel you are in danger, never wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.

What are the natural warning signs for a tsunami?

If you are near a shore and experience any of the following, take action. Do not wait for official warnings.

• Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand or a long earthquake that lasts more than a minute
• See a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• Hear loud or unusual noises from the sea
• Remember! If an earthquake is LONG or STRONG, GET GONE and move to higher ground.
• Be prepared
• Prepare your household emergency plan and practice it so everyone knows what to do in an emergency and what you need to take if you are evacuating.
• Consider today what you might do and whether you have family or friends you can stay with if you have to evacuate.
• Check the Auckland hazard viewer map.
• Check the tsunami preparedness tips and what to do before, during and after a tsunami.